SHARPEVILLE- Gauteng Premier, David Makhura says the death of sixty nine people who died during the Sharpeville massacre in 1960 was not in vain.

They were brutally killed by the apartheid police during a peaceful protest against pass laws.

Makhura was speaking at the annual commemoration which is now known as the Human Rights Day.

As the country remembers those who died and the many victims who were also wounded on the day, Makhura said it is befitting to launch an anti-racism initiative which will uphold the rights of all South Africans.

“Government is committed to assisting the families of those that died because most of these families are impoverished and marginalised due to the loss of their loved ones.

Most of the youth in these families are unemployed. This is our immediate concern to ensure that they find employment so they can take care of their families,” said Makhura.

Makhura also pledged that the families of those that died during the Sharpeville massacre will also be prioritised in the allocation of housing in the area.

“A nation that cannot honour those that sacrificed for the future of many more generations is not a respectable nation,” added Makhura.

He said it was therefore important to ensure that all people live in dignity when talking about Human Rights.

To this end, he said the province would also launch a major initiative.

“We are going to take the children of the victims and survivours back to school. But our priority is the elder people. The country that does not respect or take care of its veterans is dead,” he explained.

According to the Premier, they are also going to offer houses to ex-combatant who are homeless but they are going to start with elderly people and those who are physical challenge.

He said those can build for themselves are going to be given empty stands.